Real estate agent safety alert after incident in Omaha Friday

The issue of real estate agent safety is again in the spotlight after an incident in Omaha last Friday. Agent Sherri Hinkle says she received a call from a man who wanted to see a home. She had met 26 year old Michael Beat before and had pre-approved him for a home.

Hinkle told WOWT 6 News that she got a very uncomfortable feeling around Beat because he kept eye contact a bit too long and she wondered if he was somewhat socially challenged.

That is when Hinkle’s safety training kicked in and she took extra precautions.

Hinkle said she prevented getting into a situation where Beat was behind her. She also left herself an out while inside rooms in the house. When they reached a bedroom Hinkle says Beat started to undress. That is when she told him the showing was over and left the home.

Hinkle says after calling 911 her first instinct was to leave. Then she wanted to make police arrived and that Beat was taken into custody. She also couldn’t leave him inside someone else’s home.

Beat remains in the Douglas County Jail on a $25,000 bond. He is charged with lewd conduct, attempted 3rd degree sexual assault and disturbing the peace.